Presbyter
Saint Alexander Sokolov was born in 1893 in the village of Ozerovo, in the Tikhvin district of Novgorod. He was born into the family of the priest Fr Nicholas Sokolov.
In 1915, he graduated from the Novgorod Theological School and became a cantor at the church in the village of Ershovo. In 1916, he was ordained a deacon, while a year later he was ordained to the priesthood and assigned to the church in his native village of Ozerovo. In 1924, he was transferred to the church in Ershovo, where he continued to serve despite the persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In 1935, he was arrested and accused of profiteering, but was declared innocent. In 1937, Fr Alexander was arrested again and sentenced to death. He was executed on 29 August.
Twenty years later, his wife, Elizabeth, petitioned the Soviet authorities to restore her husband's good name and reputation, emphasising his innocence and his pious life. In 1957, the priest was officially cleared of all charges.
In 2000, he was canonised and numbered among the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia.
